Traditional driver-training programs that aim to increase vehicle-handling and manoeuvring skills have previously been related, somewhat counter-intuitively, to an actual increase in the crash rate of young drivers. This is believed primarily to be due to associated increases in confidence that result in greater risk taking while driving. MUARC was commissioned to evaluate a driver-training program that alternatively aimed to provide greater insight and awareness of potential risks when driving, thereby targeting issues of over-confidence rather than traditional advanced driving skills. The Skilled Drivers of Australia driver-training program was developed for 18-25 year-olds and results in reduced comprehensive insurance premiums for AAMI Insurance holders. Questionnaires on attitudes, behaviours, enforcement and crash risk were distributed to course participants during 2000, first, on enrolling in the course, second, just before or just after participation in the course (to form control and case groups), and finally, 8-9 weeks following completion of the course. Repeated measures analyses identified several positive changes in attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of crash risk following course participation. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses on general feedback about the course complemented these findings. It was concluded that the insight training program conducted by AAMI/Skilled Drivers effected positive changes that were likely to reduce the risk of crash involvement of the young drivers. Several practical recommendations were provided to enhance these positive outcomes and more conclusively evaluate the potential reduction in crash risk. (Author/publisher)
Abstract